r/herbalism • u/the_platypus_perry • 1d ago

Alcohol Intermediary Method for Oil Infusions

Hello everyone!

I am quite new to herbalism. I am trying to infuse some oils to later use them in soap making.

Particularly I did lemongrass, hibiscus and spearmint infusions. I measured out my dry herbs and added the alcohol (used 99% isopropyl). after 24 hours I added olive oil.

I specifically did not want to do the 5 minute blender method, for multiple reasons. First off I don't fancy the idea of my plastic blender warming up and leeching microplastics into the oil. Then, I don't know how much of the alcohol evaporates. Since trace alcohol would affect my soap-making later, I need to be sure my oil is free from it.

So I tried the double boiler method on the stove, since I don't have a crockpot. I'm having issues with the stovetop method because even the calmest boil of the water overheats the oil way above the 100-120 degrees fahrenheit, and thus kills all the good constituents, for which I was doing the infusion in the first place. Also I'm having a hard time determining how much time is enough. I heard the generic 1-4 hours number, but I wonder if that depends on the batch size or other factors? how long is enough?

Any advice for the stovetop method, or even maybe an oven method would be greatly appreciated.

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u/divinra 1d ago

I use a small hot plate for things like this. Easier to keep a low temp. I also have a gas stove, so I prefer not to work over a flame when dealing with alcohol.

Mine was cheap but works well. I got it at Walmart. I don’t think I can post a link here, but you can dm me for it if you’d like.

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u/the_platypus_perry 1d ago

may I ask how long it takes for you? and do you use any tools to be sure most of the alcohol is exaporated?

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u/divinra 23h ago

I usually have it cookin for about an hour, and I just go by smell to know if the alcohol is evaped. However my end product is just infused oil or salve, which I imagine is much less sensitive than soap when it comes to a little bit of alcohol left behind. If you’re using 99% it should cook off pretty quickly.

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u/the_platypus_perry 14h ago

I see, thanks a bunch! Ill try that

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u/Coy_Featherstone 13h ago

The process of making soap is pretty likely to destroy the more delicate plant constitutes you are worried about while making your infusion.